Sydney siege: backtrack over post that inspired #illridewithyou
GAPS have appeared in the story that inspired the #illridewithyou Twitter phenomenon.
GAPS have appeared in the story that inspired the #illridewithyou Twitter phenomenon.
University lecturer Rachael Jacobs had originally posted a status on Facebook, explaining how she offered to protect a woman who felt uncomfortable wearing her hijab.
SIEGE: #illridewithyou trend goes global
According to her story, Ms Jacobs had seen the woman beginning to remove her scarf, and ran after her, saying “Put it back on. I’ll walk with you.”
The exchange took place on a Brisbane train, while the Sydney siege was taking place in Sydney’s Martin Place.
However Rachael Jacobs has admitted that she “editorialised’’ parts of her story.
“Confession time. In my Facebook status, I editorialised. She wasn’t sitting next to me. She was a bit away, towards the other end of the carriage,” she wrote.
Detailing her thought process, Ms Jacobs now says she wondered if she even needed to help.“She might not even be Muslim or she could have just been warm!,” she wrote.
The hashtag continues to divide people on social media, with some lauding it as Australia’s way of combating Islamophobia.
Others say it detracts from the real tragedy of two people being murdered at Martin Place.
CHRIS KENNY: Hashtag for an imaginary backlash
The woman whose Facebook post inspired #illridewithyou has admitted she made up almost the whole story. #fictionalhero
— Dave Hughes (@DHughesy) December 17, 2014I've read the blogger behind #IllRideWithYou made the whole story up. Using skin colour/religion for personal gain. There's a word for that.
— Advent Toy (@WelshToy) December 18, 2014Story that triggered #illridewithyou was a lie? Disappointing, but changes nothing. Been reading abt racist attacks on PT for at least 2yrs.
— Karen (@kcIMT122) December 17, 2014
We failed the families: police chief
NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller says the families of those killed in the Lindt siege were let down by his force.
Premier braced for siege report
The NSW government is bracing for the release of the Coroner’s Âreport today into the Lindt cafe siege in Sydney.